Review of Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) by Mateo B — 06 Oct 2016

The primary argument against this movie is that the 2nd film had a very definitive ending and didn't need to be elaborated on. But New Line gained the rights to make a 3rd film, this time for the purpose of creating a new horror franchise ala "Nightmare on Elm Street.

" Tobe Hooper does NOT return, nor does anyone cast from the original. Jeff Burr takes over as director. And, like Hooper, had to turn in this film a fair number of times and continuously cut out the more graphic and disturbing footage to try and get an R rating.

This film is not as wacky as the 2nd, but has a more grim and bleak atmosphere that hews closer to the original. Unfortunately, the end product, while possessing Leatherface in all his gigantic grunting chainsaw revving glory, and containing a whole new family to MEAT (all played well, especially the little girl), the end product is confusing and jumbled.

Our victims are so devoid of personality that it's hard to care for them. I have no complaints about Ken Foree's presence because I'll never tire of watching him kick ass in a horror movie.

And the ending is the worst part about it as it just throws logic completely out the window. Suffice to say, this movie flopped at the box office and derailed any plans of a horror franchise...for the time being.

After the 4th film, a throwaway that wouldn't have ever seen the light of day if Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey had not starred in it, the franchise was rebooted in 2003. But ultimately this film represents the last time there would ever be anything fresh or interesting in a "Texas Chainsaw" movie.